Travel Bag Comparison

Weekender Update

Wherever you’re going this Friday, you need the perfect bag. Which one can handle Paris and Killington?

By Aja Mangum
Published May 21, 2005

Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, $14,995
With one inside zipper and a non-water-resistant exterior, it’s not the most functional bag. But the croc skin is surprisingly supple (3 E. 57th St.; 212-980-2970).

Ralph Lauren, $12,000
This sleek, classic alligator traveler has a small top handle, making long lines a drag (you don’t want to rest it on the floor, after all). But it’s roomy and regal. (At select Ralph Lauren stores.)

Goyard, $1,800
Lack of compartments make it easy to lose small items in this Euro-society favorite, but custom monogramming and stripes mean no one else will have your bag. (At Barneys New York.)

Helmut Lang, $960
Former Concorde flyers will dig this jazzy duffel: Easy to carry, it can be hand-held or thrown on your shoulder. The metallic patent leather is weather-resistant, too (80 Greene St.; 212-925-7214).

Mulholland Brothers, $700
This rich-looking Latigo Leather Aviator fits easily into overhead compartments, and the nylon lining makes for easy cleaning. (At Upland Trading Company, 236 E. 13th St.; 212-673-4994.)

Upla, $525
One hundred percent polyamide canvas makes this chic carry-on washable; smart design means it’s easily stowable, durable, and multifunctional. (At ABH Design, 401 E. 76th St.; 212-249-2276.)

Swid, $295
Interior toiletry pockets allow you to travel hassle-free and the cool cubic shape and full-grain leather handles may even score style points. (At the Conran Shop, 407 E. 59th St.; 212-755-9079.)

Patagonia, $125
Not the most fashionable, but this sporty, water-resistant backpack is a steal. It holds up to five days’ worth of clothes, has compression straps and panels to condense your load, and a light-colored interior with mesh pockets (101 Wooster St.; 212-343-1776).

(Photo: Davies and Starr)

Bath & Body Works, $75
If you can’t afford $14,995 for the real thing, try this fake-croc. It’s not weather-resistant, but it might fool some people (800-395-1001 or bathandbodyworks.com).